Why Use a Swale & How to Build Correctly

Key Highlights on Swales:

Swales are often used with ponds, dams, grey water systems, rainwater harvesting, and other water catchments.

The goal is to pacify water that would otherwise create issues like erosion. Helping to capture silt, organic matter and nutrients. Preventing runoff.

Once pacified we want to spread the water out over the landscape.

Water should not be the only focus in swales. Trees are an important part. Swales should be viewed as a tree growing system. Trees are an important part of the water cycle. Leaf-fall helps retain moisture and the ground to suck up water.

Over time swales help recharge groundwater and help the land become drought-resistant

Start small when experimenting with swales and learn the fundamentals before moving on to larger projects

Swales should not be used on hills with a fifteen-degree slope or greater due to possible slides

Video Showing the Swale Plume:

See a real life swale example by one of permacultures leaders Geof Lawton: